Genetic Analysis of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle and Brome Mosaic Viruses

Abstract

SUMMARY We have assigned mutations in cowpea chlorotic mottle virus and the related brome mosaic virus to specific RNA components. Coat protein changes, as well as associated ‘maturation faults’ and systemic symptom changes, are located on RNA species 3; local and primary lesion alterations are found on either RNA species 2 or 3. Changes in nucleoprotein component ratio are associated either with the coat protein changes on RNA species 3 or with primary lesion alterations on species 2. Local lesion temperature sensitivity is found on RNA species 1.